What is it? One of five electric vehicle concepts now on Chryslers show circuit, the 200C introduced at Detroit is an all new, four door midsized sedan based on a shortened Chrysler 300 rear-wheel drive platform. Chrysler promises to bring one of the five to market by 2010, and, while a factory representative declined to say whether the 200 C EV will be the one, he did say the company could do it because development time would be less because a shortened 300 platform has already spawned the Challenger.
Chryslers ENVI electric vehicle design is similar to the Chevrolet Volt, in that electrical power is combined with a small internal combustion engine powering a generator for additional energy to power the drive wheels. The engine can also charge the batteries. The carmaker claims a 40 mile range on all electric power for the 200C, and 400 miles using both electric and gasoline power.
What is new or notable? There are no conventional switches and levers inside. All are replaced with a dashboard-mounted touch screen, with another on for the front passenger enabling separate climate and infotainment choices.
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